Dictionary

Words on this page

Bishop

‘Bishop’ comes from the Greek word for ‘overseer’. So a bishop is a senior Christian minister authorised to have oversight for God’s people. As well as duties given to deacons and priests, bishops confirm and ordain.

Diocese

‘Diocese’ refers to the geographical territory in which a bishop exercises oversight. The Church in Wales is divided into six dioceses each with its own cathedral in which is housed the cathedra (the bishop’s ‘chair’ or ‘throne’).

Priest

‘Priest’ comes from the Greek word for ‘elder’. Priests in the Church in Wales are those authorised specifically to proclaim forgiveness of sins, preside at the Eucharist and bless God’s people, as well as other responsibilities.

Home News and events Team Vicar for Abergavenny Ministry Area

Team Vicar for Abergavenny Ministry Area

Monmouth news Posted: 2 March 2025

Bishop Cherry is pleased to announce that Clare Griffiths has been appointed as the new Team Vicar for the Abergavenny Ministry Area. Clare will be a wonderful addition to the group, and will support Lea Ryder, the Ministry Area leader, who has been the only full-time cleric in the area for a long period. Clare will join a team, led by Lea and with a number of hard working and vary capable lay people and retired clergy involved in ministry there.

Clare was born and brought up in Gloucester and had an early career in the Civil Service. She was ordained in the Diocese of Monmouth in 2001 (Deacon) and 2002 (Priest), so we are very pleased to be welcoming her back to the diocese. She served her curacy in Caerleon, followed by chaplaincy and parish positions in the Diocese of Worcester. She has been a Lead Hospice Chaplain for the last 9 years and an Honorary Canon of Worcester Cathedral since January 2019. Clare has been married to Peredur for 23 years and they will be moving to Abergavenny with their lurcher Norman. Interests include walking, running and caravanning.

The licensing service will take place on May 8th – more details to follow in due course.